Animal-Assisted Therapy Gives Boys and Dogs a New Leash on Life
Chris admits that he was angry and often stubborn before he
got involved in the New Leash on Life program. However, working
with his dog, Lucky, a “headstrong” Dalmatian, helped
him learn to be more patient and to curb his own anger.
Chris, one of more than 220 participants in an innovative
pet therapy program at CBR YouthConnect (La Junta, Colo.),
is living proof that caring for unwanted dogs can help severely
troubled youngsters learn how to relate to themselves and
others.
The focus of a groundbreaking study funded by The Iams Co.
(Dayton, Ohio), CBR YouthConnect and Colorado State University
(Fort Collins, Colo.), New Leash on Life matches a CBRYC boy
with a dog from an area animal shelter. Over the course of
the 10-week session, the boy is required to provide his dog
with proper care and training, eventually preparing the dog
to be adopted by a new family.
According to the study, the boys developed significant attachments
to the dogs they trained—even within the relatively
short 10-week session. The boys said the dogs helped them
through tough times, comforted them when they were upset and
helped them relax. The boys also said they felt responsible
for the dogs—a characteristic of growing maturity.
“The CBRYC study is building upon a knowledge base
of evidence that animal-assisted therapy is something to be
taken seriously,” said Robert Seiz, assistant professor
of social work at Colorado State University.
“This study reflects the importance of that special
relationship between people and their pets,” said Connie
McKamey, manager of corporate contributions for The Iams Co.
“The New Leash on Life pet therapy program not only
benefits troubled youth, it teaches responsible pet ownership
and saves pet lives.”
For more information about the New Leash on Life program,
visit www.cbryouthconnect.org.
[October 2005 PET AGE]
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